Flash Flood in Dona Ana County, New Mexico

A cluster of slow moving thunderstorms dropped 1.5 to 3 inches of rain over the southern portion of Dona Ana County, especially near the Rio Grande. Even higher amounts fell over the nearby Franklin Mountains which added to severe runoff problems. Interstate 10 south of Las Cruces was closed for several hours. Hardest hit with damage to roads and structures was Sunland Park, followed by Anthony, Chaparral and La Union. About 1200 residents in Sunland Park were forced to evacuate as the Rio Grande River reached a stage of 9.3 feet, the highest in 50 years. This was one of many flood events during the summer that led to much of New Mexico being declared a federal disaster area.